(MVA) — As the Marianas prepares for the anticipated return of direct international flights from its key visitor markets, the Marianas Visitors Authority Board of Directors met Wednesday, May 27, 2026, to advance several initiatives focused on restoring tourism, strengthening destination readiness, and supporting economic revitalization across the islands.
The Commonwealth Ports Authority has announced that night operations at Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport will resume beginning June 20, and airlines have started to announce when they plan to restart flights to Saipan from key source markets including Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Manila. The anticipated return of these routes marks an important step toward rebuilding visitor arrivals, restoring regional connectivity, and supporting the Marianas’ broader economic recovery efforts.
“We are encouraged by the anticipated return of direct international flights from several of our key visitor markets and the continued interest we are seeing in the Marianas,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “Despite the challenges following Typhoon Sinlaku, some visitors are even finding alternative ways to reach our islands just to show their support, which has been incredibly meaningful and encouraging for our community. We’re excited to continue rebuilding tourism, enhancing our destination product, and reigniting our economy together.”
As part of its destination recovery and market engagement efforts, MVA will participate in Brand USA sales missions in Japan and Korea organized this July to promote travel to U.S. destinations, including the Marianas.
“We sincerely thank Brand USA for waiving participation fees for the Marianas for both July’s sales missions and the coming year as we continue rebuilding following the typhoon,” said Taijeron.
The MVA board also reaffirmed the importance of participating in JATA Tourism Expo 2026, Asia’s largest annual travel trade show, scheduled for Sept. 24–27 in Tokyo.
“JATA Tourism Expo provides an invaluable opportunity to reconnect face-to-face with airlines, travel trade partners, media, and Japanese travelers,” said Taijeron. “Especially after Sinlaku, it is important for the Marianas to stand confidently alongside other destinations and remind travelers that our islands remain beautiful, welcoming, resilient, and truly Far From Ordinary.”
The board also welcomed Kwang Joo “Tommy” Kim, Vice President of S.A.I. Leisure Group, who was officially sworn in as the newest member of the MVA Board of Directors.
In anticipation of reduced local appropriations in Fiscal Year 2027, the board also established an ad hoc committee to develop recommendations for strategic marketing adjustments while maintaining a strong presence in the Marianas’ primary visitor markets.
The Marianas continues working to rebuild visitor arrivals amid evolving global travel conditions, including rising fuel costs and increased airline operating expenses that continue to impact travel affordability and regional air service.
“Tourism conditions continue to shift rapidly due to factors such as fuel costs, airline operational changes, weather events, and global economic conditions,” said Taijeron. “As we plan for the future, MVA remains committed to staying agile while ensuring our Far From Ordinary brand messaging remains consistent, clear, and impactful across all of our efforts.”
The destination is working to rebuild visitor arrivals amongst several challenges. Fuel surcharges on flights from Seoul to Saipan have increased significantly over the past year, adding approximately $150 per ticket and contributing to higher overall travel costs for visitors to the destination.
The MVA board also authorized management to begin discussions with the Department of Public Lands regarding the potential relocation of MVA headquarters to the historic Japanese Lighthouse property on Navy Hill, formerly home to the Mariana Lighthouse restaurant. The proposed relocation, anticipated later this year, is expected to reduce operational costs by approximately $75,000 annually, allowing additional resources to be redirected toward tourism marketing and destination revitalization efforts.
